ALOR SETAR: Seven families had to be evacuated to a temporary flood relief centre after two villages in Baling were hit by flash floods on Thursday (July 28) night.

Civil Defence Force district officer Capt Rasidah Kassim said the two villages affected were Kampung Iboi and Kampung Badang in the Kupang sub-district.

"The seven families were placed at the Haji Hassan Samah Hall relief centre, which was opened at 9pm after their homes were inundated by flood waters following a downpour in the afternoon.

"However, the total number of victims is still being ascertained,” she said in a statement Thursday night.

She said heavy rain that started at 2pm continued for three hours, causing Sungai Kupang to overflow into the settlements of residents living near the riverbank.

She said the Civil Defence Force received a report of the flash floods at about 5pm, and after mobilising personnel to the scene, found that several houses had been flooded.

Capt Rasidah said Sungai Kupang’s water level had also surpassed the Bailey bridge in Kampung Iboi, which forced the police to order the bridge to be closed temporarily.

"Residents along the riverbank and low-lying areas are also advised to remain vigilant and leave their homes if the water level continues to rise," she said.

The Civil Defence Force and other relevant agencies will continue to monitor the situation in the area from time to time, she added. - Bernama